Ensemble Contraste

The unifying tradition of Christmas, as we know it today, owes much to a masterpiece of English literature which had the effect of a social bomb when it was published in 1843: "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens.

Presented in the form of a deceptively simple tale, it questions Victorian society, which at the time was mired in a narrow puritanism that was unfavourable to the lower castes. Like Victor Hugo, who was active across the Channel at the same time, Charles Dickens intended to place his art in society, in the service of those forgotten by the system, and his work can even be considered to have saved and reinstated Christmas holidays, which were threatened by the pre-industrial era, whose dazzling voracity left little room for the excluded. The traditional songs associated with this unifying moment were legion, stemming from a long-standing religious custom, and many composers and artists set their sights on the ever-renewed magic of what has been called the "spirit of Christmas" and which will never fade.

Ensemble Contraste intends to make these “Christmas Carols” resonate, whose heritage continues in the great Anglo-Saxon migratory movements, and particularly on the American continent, which has seized upon this musical and spiritual moment to create a great tradition.

Musical tale from 6 to 77 years old (and more!)

Cast:

Émilie Hedou, singing
Yanowski, comedian
Arnaud Thorette, violin & viola
Pascal Mabit, saxophone
Johan Farjot, piano

Text adaptation: Arnaud Thorette/Yanowski
Musical arrangements: Johan Farjot
Artistic director: Arnaud Thorette

Program:

The story recounts in words and music the eventful night of December 24 that old Ebenezer Scrooge is about to experience.

1. Silent night
2. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
3. The Christmas song
4. O Little Town of Bethlehem
5. I'm on my way
6. Just a Closer Walk with Thee
7. Au bord de la rivière
8. Eternal Grace
9. Everybody sings freedom
10. Oh Happy Day
11. O Christmas Tree
12. Le dernier Noël
13. Time for a day
14. Who is this child?